The Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory mission is to provide federal confirmatory diagnostics for regulatory plant pests/pathogens; develop and validate advanced molecular and serological detection methods, and proficiency test panels for plant pests that threaten U.S. agriculture; evaluate applicability of new, state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies in support of the agency efforts.
The Research Assistant will work under the general supervision of a team/project leader to support projects at APHIS-PPQ-S&T Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory. Projects may involve the development and validation of molecular diagnostic assays for plant pathogens of regulatory concern and evaluation of new technologies for detection and identification of plant pathogens. The diagnostic technologies of interest may include, but are not limited to PCR-based tests (e.g. c PCR, RT-PCR, q PCR), isothermal assays (e.g. RPA, LAMP, CRISPR), serological assays, high throughput sequencing methods, DNA sequence and bioinformatic analysis, as well as the development of methods for sample preparation and nucleic acid extraction. The methods developed will be used by federal regulatory surveillance and eradication programs.
As directed, the incumbent will provide technical support to several staff scientists in preparing sample material, DNA/RNA extractions, running PCRs, and preparing libraries for high throughput sequencing. The incumbent will record details and results of experiments in an official laboratory notebook, enter data into computer programs, write data summary reports, and contribute to the drafting of validation reports and work instructions. Work duties will also include any combination of the following general laboratory maintenance tasks: cleaning and maintaining glassware, preparing media and reagents, preparing agarose gels, restocking and maintaining supplies, autoclaving, operating and maintaining specialized equipment, maintaining greenhouse plants.
The position is based at the APHIS-PPQ-S&T Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory in Laurel, MD. The incumbent must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency in the U.S.